Xi Jinping Says Taiwan Reunification Is Inevitable, Reaffirms China's Position
Chinese President Xi Jinping has renewed Beijing's demand for Taiwan's reunification with mainland China, describing the issue as a historic mission that cannot be reversed. Speaking at an event in Beijing on November 12, 2026, Xi emphasised that bringing Taiwan under China's control remains a central national objective, while reiterating that Beijing prefers a peaceful approach.
His remarks come amid continuing disagreements between China and Taiwan over sovereignty, political identity and the island's future. They also arrive ahead of an important international diplomatic meeting and Taiwan's upcoming local elections, bringing renewed attention to one of Asia's most sensitive geopolitical disputes.
Xi Repeats China's Reunification Goal
Xi made his comments during a gathering at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to commemorate the 160th birth anniversary of Sun Yat-sen, a revolutionary leader associated with the end of China's imperial system.
During his address, Xi presented Taiwan's reunification as an important historical objective for the Chinese Communist Party. He maintained that China's national unity should eventually include Taiwan and called on people across the Taiwan Strait to support peaceful relations.
The Chinese president also stressed that Beijing remains willing to engage in discussions with Taiwan, provided negotiations follow its established One-China principle.
For Beijing, Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory. However, Taiwan operates under its own democratic government, maintains separate political institutions and rejects China's claim of sovereignty over the island.
Xi's latest comments therefore reinforce a longstanding position rather than introduce a completely new policy direction.
China Continues to Promote One Country, Two Systems
An important element of China's approach is its proposed One Country, Two Systems framework.
Under this arrangement, Taiwan would become part of China while retaining a degree of autonomy in managing its internal affairs. Beijing has repeatedly presented this framework as a possible route towards peaceful reunification.
However, the proposal has not received support from any major Taiwanese political party.
Taiwan's political leadership has consistently rejected Beijing's sovereignty claims. The island's government maintains that its future should be determined by its own people rather than decided by the Chinese government.
This disagreement creates a significant obstacle to negotiations. Although China continues to express its willingness to discuss reunification, the political conditions attached to those discussions remain unacceptable to Taiwan's major political parties.
Consequently, the possibility of reaching a mutually acceptable settlement remains uncertain.
Why Sun Yat-sen's Legacy Matters
The timing of Xi's speech is particularly significant because it was delivered during celebrations marking Sun Yat-sen's 160th birth anniversary.
Sun played a major role in the 1911 revolution that ended centuries of imperial rule in China and helped establish the Republic of China.
His historical importance extends beyond mainland China. Taiwan also officially recognises him as the father of the nation, and his portrait is displayed in the island's presidential office.
However, China and Taiwan interpret different aspects of his political legacy through their own historical and political perspectives.
Beijing describes Sun as a national hero who supported China's unity. Taiwan also recognises his contribution to the establishment of the Republic of China, whose government relocated to the island following the Communist victory in 1949.
The competing interpretations reflect the broader historical disagreement between the two sides.
Last month, Taiwan's government encouraged its people to avoid China's anniversary events, arguing that Beijing was presenting a distorted interpretation of Sun's legacy.
The disagreement demonstrates how historical figures and national celebrations continue to influence present-day relations across the Taiwan Strait.
Military Pressure Remains a Major Concern
Although Xi emphasised peaceful reunification in his latest address, military tensions remain an important part of the wider dispute.
China has never formally abandoned the possibility of using force to bring Taiwan under its control. Its military also maintains a regular presence around the island, with activities that Taiwan closely monitors.
This creates a complicated situation. Beijing's diplomatic messaging focuses on peaceful reunification and political discussions, while its continuing military activities remain a source of concern for Taiwan and other countries in the region.
For Taiwan, maintaining its defence capabilities and protecting its existing political system remain important priorities.
The island's position is particularly significant because the Taiwan Strait is a major strategic waterway connecting important parts of East Asia. Any serious military confrontation could affect regional security, international trade and economic confidence.
However, Xi's latest speech did not announce a military operation or specify a deadline for reunification. His remarks should therefore be understood as a reaffirmation of China's political objective rather than an announcement of immediate military action.
Taiwan's Leadership Maintains Its Position
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and his ruling Democratic Progressive Party support the island's separate political identity and reject Beijing's claims.
China considers Lai a separatist and has refused to engage directly with him. Lai, meanwhile, maintains that Taiwan's people alone have the authority to decide their future.
The difference between these positions makes diplomatic engagement difficult.
The issue is not simply about territorial boundaries. It also involves democratic governance, national identity and the political choices of Taiwan's population.
For Beijing, reunification is closely connected to its national unity ambitions. For Taiwan, preserving its existing political institutions and the right of its people to determine their future are central concerns.
These competing priorities explain why statements supporting dialogue have not translated into a political agreement.
Upcoming APEC Meeting Adds Diplomatic Significance
Xi's comments also come shortly before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled to take place in Shenzhen, China.
Xi is expected to meet US President Donald Trump during the gathering, adding another diplomatic dimension to the timing of his Taiwan remarks.
The United States has an important role in the Taiwan issue through its security relationship with the island and its broader strategic relationship with Beijing.
Washington's approach to Taiwan remains a sensitive subject in US-China relations. Differences over arms sales, military cooperation and regional security have repeatedly created tensions between the two major powers.
Taiwan's upcoming local elections, scheduled for later in November, also provide an important domestic political backdrop to the latest developments.
Together, these events place Taiwan-related discussions within a particularly important period for regional diplomacy.
What Happens Next?
Xi's November 12 statement reinforces China's determination to pursue reunification, but it does not resolve the fundamental disagreement between Beijing and Taipei.
The central challenge remains finding an arrangement that addresses China's political demands while respecting Taiwan's position on sovereignty and self-government.
For international observers, the important factors to watch include China's military activities around Taiwan, diplomatic discussions between Beijing and Washington, Taiwan's domestic political developments and any changes in communication between the two sides.
The economic implications also deserve attention. Taiwan occupies an important position in global technology supply chains, particularly semiconductor manufacturing. Any escalation across the Taiwan Strait could create uncertainty for businesses, manufacturers and international investors.
For now, Xi's latest remarks underline that Taiwan will remain a major issue in China's domestic and foreign policy. While Beijing continues to describe peaceful reunification as its preferred approach, the fundamental differences between the two governments mean that a lasting political settlement remains difficult to achieve.
